Comparison Hotpoint-Ariston HAC 20T 323 vs Hotpoint-Ariston HAC 20T 321

Apart from shelves, there are several additional compartments in a refrigerator, including a a freshness zone, a humidity zone, a multi-zone and a shelf for bottles.

— Freshness zone.It is a special compartment in a refrigerator designed for storing fresh products for an extended period. The temperature in this zone is slightly lower than the refrigerating chamber, typically around zero degrees, earning it the nickname "zero chamber". Such conditions help to preserve the freshness of products for up to 3-4 days. However, it's important to note that the temperature in the zero chamber may vary depending on the refrigerator model, ranging from 0 °C to +1...3 °C, which can impact the preservation of stored products.

— Humidity zone. Another specialized compartment, similar to the freshness zone, is designed to preserve the freshness of food items for an extended period. However, this compartment maintains high humidity at the same temperature as the rest of the refrigerator, which prevents the products from drying out. This feature is especially important for refrigerators with No Frost systems, which tend to blow moisture out of the refrigerator, leading to quicker drying of the contents.

— Multi-zone. This compartment in a refrigerator combines several functions of different compartments, such as the ability to w...ork as a refrigerator or a freezer, along with other specific features like quickly cooling drinks, slow defrosting, and cooling hot dishes. Modern refrigerators offer more extensive capabilities with specific features, making the multi-zone compartment a valuable addition. Some models have the entire freezer performing the function of a multi-zone chamber, but most models have a separate compartment for it. The presence of a multi-zone compartment significantly expands the capabilities of a refrigerator.

— Shelf for bottles. It is a hanging accessory, typically in the form of a lattice, that is installed under a shelf in the refrigerator. It allows bottles to be stored horizontally, which saves space in the refrigerator while keeping them organized.

Refrigerators with good thermal insulation can maintain low temperatures inside for a significant amount of time even if there is a power outage. This period of time is known as the "keep cold time," during which the refrigerator can preserve perishable food items. A longer keep cold time indicates better thermal insulation, making the refrigerator more suitable for areas where power outages are common.

The forced freezing mode briefly lowers the temperature inside the freezer to as low as -24 °C or -32 °C. This fast freezing function needs to be turned on in advance and has a limited operating time. Some models do not have automatic shutdown, so it's important to clarify these details. It's worth noting that drawers or quick-freeze zones are not considered as this function.

The energy efficiency of a refrigerator is measured by a parameter classified from A to G, with A being the most efficient. Originally, only up to class A was available until newer, more efficient models were introduced and labeled as A+, A++, and A+++. However, in March 2021, manufacturers reverted to the original labeling system from G to A to avoid creating more pluses. This means that modern models will have the new labeling system, while older ones will maintain their original markings.

The average amount of energy consumed by a refrigerator in a year of operation.

The given parameter is an estimated value and assumes that the refrigerator operates under stable conditions without sudden temperature changes, frequent door openings, and within its designated climate class (see below). Actual energy consumption may deviate slightly from the stated value. Despite this, it is a useful parameter that allows for a rough comparison of different models in terms of energy efficiency.

It should be noted that the energy consumption per year is often a more practical and convenient parameter than the energy consumption class (see above), which is a relative indicator of how efficient a refrigerator is compared to other models of similar size and features. The energy consumption per year, on the other hand, provides an estimate of the actual electricity cost when using a particular refrigerator. For instance, a small two-door refrigerator with an energy class of A can consume less energy per year than a large side-by-side refrigerator with a class of A+++, despite the fact that the latter is formally more energy-efficient than the former in terms of its energy class.

This parameter describes the climate conditions for which a particular refrigerator model is designed. A more powerful cooling system and better thermal insulation are required for the refrigerator to operate efficiently in hot conditions compared to low air temperatures. If the refrigerator is not designed for the specific climate conditions it operates in, it may not function efficiently or may even fail.

— SN (subnormal).Refrigerators of this class are intended for use in temperate climates with relatively low temperatures. They are designed to operate within a temperature range of +10°C to +32°C, which is slightly lower than class N. These refrigerators can be particularly useful in poorly insulated rooms where the temperature can drop below +16°C during the colder seasons.

— N (normal). Models designed for moderate climate, with ambient temperature from +16 °C to +32 °C.

— ST (subtropical). Although named after subtropical climates, these models are suitable for both subtropical and tropical climates with high humidity. They can operate within a temperature range of +18°C ... +38°C.

— T (tropical). Units designed primarily for dry tropical climates. They operate at ambient temperatures from +18 °C to +43 °C.

to the development of refrigerators with combined climate classes and enhanc...ed features. These models are characterized by both upper and lower classes, such as N-ST, indicating a wider operating range from the lower limit of the lower class to the upper limit of the upper one. For instance, N-ST corresponds to a temperature range of +16...+38 °C. Some models even combine all four classes, such as SN-T, which has an extended range of +10...+43 °C.

With climate change affecting many regions, the introduction of combined climate classes has become increasingly important. In some areas classified as temperate, summers have become hotter while winters remain cold, and a single climate class such as N may not provide adequate coverage for the required temperature range.

The "country of manufacture" refers to the location where a refrigerator model is produced. While most manufacturing plants are situated in China, but there are still some in Europe (in Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, etc.). The country of manufacture may not significantly affect the product's quality, although some people associate European assembly with dependability. Additionally, a model may have a country of manufacture listed, such as Poland, even though the same product is produced in China and sold under the same item number in stores.